FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Marvin Harrison Jr.

Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – Ohio State)

6’4” – 205 lbs.

Background:

Father is the legendary pro receiver of the same name. Four-star recruit out of high school who committed to the Buckeyes along with high school quarterback Kyle McCord. Played sparingly as a freshman, finishing with 11-139-3 (12.6) and starting the team’s bowl game, then broke out the following year, going 77-1,263-14 (16.4) as a full-time starter. At the time of writing, has 67-1,211-14 (17.6) this year, and won the Biletnikoff Award.

Positives:

Highly productive two-year starter with incredible bloodlines. Tall, long receiver who can line up outside or inside and presents his quarterback with a big target. Has simple, efficient releases with clean footwork to get leverage. Long strider who eats up cushions quickly and has legitimate deep speed to threaten defenses at the third level. Runs a variety of different routes to all three levels of the field; with a relatively high proportion of routes breaking toward the middle of the field (slants, posts, deep ins.) Doesn’t have to shift down much as he comes out of his breaks. Knows how to sell double-moves to create separation. Able to exploit soft cushions and run away from defenders on slants and posts over the middle of the field. Very flexible receiver with excellent tracking and body control to adjust to throws away from his body; ability to bail out his quarterback may be one of his best traits. Climbs the ladder to high-point throws. Sells out to make the grab. Can go low to scoop up low throws. Very effective back-shoulder receiver. Shows very good concentration in contested-catch situations. Able to find and settle into soft spots in zone; shifts down to provide his quarterback with easy windows. Knows when it’s time to improvise and help out his quarterback. Has the suddenness and agility to create after the catch. Works hard as a blocker, and has the length to develop into a high-end stalker.

Negatives:

Frame is still somewhat on the thin side, and can occasionally be disrupted by physical defensive backs. Lets some defensive backs get inside his frame and compete at the catch point. Some separation downfield created by push-offs. Has dropped six passes this year as of the time of writing, and rate of contested catches made has dropped below fifty percent. May need to improve functional strength to run-block effectively at the next level.

Summary:

One of the most complete wide receiver prospects in years, his combination of size, length, speed, route-running savvy, flexibility, and body control should make him an elite number-one receiver at the pro level. Should go into the draft as the unquestioned top receiver, and it looks like he’s poised to hear his name called within the first three picks or so.

Projection: Round 1